Adapting

My apologies to anyone that checked in last week to get an update, I did not get a Sunday's post done, so I waited until today. Yes, I know, today is Monday, but I'll treat it like it is the end of the week since today is a holiday (MLK day).

The title to this weeks post is "Adapting" because I want to talk a little about the need to adapt my schedule along the way. Like most everyone else, I have many other commitments that require my time besides training for an Ironman. Often I'm required to travel, causing the need to get creative in order to get the 3 disciplines incorporated into that week. This week I spent the last half of the week in LA visiting our West BU. The hotel did not have any work out facility, but skipping workouts is NOT an option. So Mike, my traveling, and many times my work out partner, and I ran down the famed Venice Beach for our key run work outs. Man, what an experience that was. We saw so many homeless it was alarming. Many of them young. But we also had the smell of the pacific in our noses, cool calm weather and the knowledge that we were doing something so many others miss. To get our bike and swim (weights replaced my swim) workouts in, we found a great little workout facility that accepted guests. We took our spouses on the trip so the 4 of us worked out then had breakfast at a small little deli right there. What a cool trip it ended up being. Not only did I get my key work outs in, I also got a chance to see and experience some different things.
Today marks the end of the 2 week orientation cycle and the beginning of the 8 week pre season cycle. For the last few weeks, the workouts midweek were short enough that I could complete them first thing in the morning, leaving the rest of the day open to complete other work. Of course, this meant getting up at 4 am (or earlier) leaving me quite tired at the end of the day. Now, the individual workouts are just long enough Mon - Friday that I'll need to split them up. The blessing lies in the fact that I'll be able to start a little later in the morning, but I'll be required to manage my day better to ensure I have time for a lunch or early evening workout. I'll need to adapt to a different schedule and may even need to work a little in the evening to stay caught up.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to determination. How determined am I to get it done? It's amazing how easy it is to let yourself of the hook, isn't it. Excuses are plentiful, available at every turn. Not enough time for dinner, hey, order a couple of pizzas! But wait, isn't one of your goals to weigh less than 190 lbs? That won't happen eating pizza! Every little decision adds up to a big result. So,I stay determined and continue to focus on each little decision, leading me to the starting line at Ironman Wisconsin, and ultimately, the finish line!

Thanks to everyone for their comments on the blog and in person. I have truly been inspired by all of you!
Have a great week!